Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen (R) signed an executive order on Monday that opts the state into the Federal School Choice Tax Credit.
Breitbart reported that Pillen signed the executive order surrounded by students, parents, and staff at the St. Teresa Catholic School in Lincoln. He told onlookers, “Let me just make it really clear … I am not opting this in … I am cannonballing it into the state of Nebraska.”
The tax credit was passed over the summer as a part of President Trump’s “Big, Beautiful Bill.”
In a speech, Pillen had said, “This program is a game-changer for Nebraska students and their families, generating funds that will help send students to the school of their choice.”
He added, “When it comes to educating our kids, we need to ensure that every student is in an environment that allows them to succeed. This program provides that opportunity, and I’m pleased to say that Nebraska will take part.”
The tax credit, which begins in 2027, will enable taxpayers to direct up to $1,700 to a qualified scholarship-granting organization (SGO) in exchange for a 100% dollar-for-dollar credit on their federal income taxes. The donated funds will be distributed to eligible families for K-12 education expenses. The SGO will also award scholarships at private schools and cover additional costs, such as private tutoring.
Pillen’s order is a significant moment for Nebraska, as it was one of two states without a formal school choice program. Breitbart reported that Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE) praised Pillen, saying, “Our students are our future, and I championed inclusion of this legislation in the Working Families Tax Cut package to empower parents with greater educational opportunity for their children.”
“Thanks to Governor Pillen’s intention to opt-in to the program, Nebraska families can benefit from potentially billions of donated dollars leveraged by this program,” he added.
Breitbart reported that school choice advocacy organization American Federation for Children celebrated Pillien’s decision, saying, “With today’s announcement, it’s clear that these efforts will prevail. We applaud all the bold champions in the legislature, Governor Pillen, and most of all, every Nebraska mom and dad who stood up for something better for their kids.”
Pillen’s administration will partner with school choice advocates to create a list of qualified SGOs before Jan. 1, 2027.
